BWI -- Good morning from Baltimore-Washington Airport, where I await the flight to the final road city of the season. The Sabres' meaningless game in Boston on Saturday is the end of the road and will close the book on another year, the team's inability to beat Philadelphia on Thursday night becoming the last chapter in a lost season.
"It’s embarrassing to miss the playoffs," goaltender Ryan Miller said.
Alas, for Buffalo fans, it's an embarrassment they experienced plenty of times. The Sabres have missed the postseason for three of the past five years. They've sat on the outside six times in the last 10 seasons. They haven't won a playoff series in five years.
"This year not even making it brings back memories that you don’t want to have," right wing Drew Stafford said. "It’s never a good feeling."
So, given the lack of success, what should happen next? Does the organization start a top-down makeover by getting rid of General Manager Darcy Regier and/or coach Lindy Ruff? Does an unsuccessful core -- including Miller, Stafford, captain Jason Pominville, Thomas Vanek and Derek Roy -- get shattered through trades? Does the team chalk this season up to injuries and stay with the status quo?
Owner Terry Pegula and team President Ted Black will ultimately make the call. Until they do, here's a chance for you to do it.
---John Vogl
